Tuberculosis Infection: Understanding Latent TB

What percentage of people infected with TB develop latent TB?

A. 50%

B. One-third

C. 75%

D. 10%

Answer:

B. One-third

Tuberculosis (TB) impacts approximately one-third of the global population, with many infected individuals developing a symptomless form of the disease known as latent TB. Even though the exact percentage can vary, it is estimated that the majority of people infected with TB will have latent TB.

Explanation:

Tuberculosis (TB) is a significant infectious disease, predominantly impacting those in undeveloped or underserved regions. Approximately one-third of the world's population is infected with TB, according to CDC estimates. Still, not every infected individual develops active symptoms of TB. Many infected individuals develop a form of TB known as latent TB, where the bacteria are present in the body but do not cause symptoms unless they become active.

While exact percentages may vary, many studies suggest that about 5-10% of those infected with TB will develop active TB disease at some point in their lives, and the remainder will have what's referred to as latent TB. In other words, the majority of people infected with TB will have latent TB.